A woman raising money for charity by walking 5,500 miles around the coast of Great Britain said she was welcomed with open arms as she walked through Ceredigion.

Despite getting soaked in the wintry weather, and battered by coastal winds, Jane Allen – who served 37 years in the Royal Naval Reserve, said she had been warmly welcomed by well-wishers all the way along the route.

Jane is spending at least the first year of her retirement taking on the Victory Walk challenge, to raise cash for two naval charities close to her heart - the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust.

Accompanying her in the support vehicle is her husband, Frank – a former Royal Marine.

Jane’s trek started from Portsmouth, outside HMS Victory on 21 October 2017.

She hopes to complete her epic journey back in Portsmouth in early summer this year.

Jane walked the 132-mile Ceredigion coast path last week after passing through Machynlleth, and said she had had lots of assistance and help from residents along her route through the county.

While walking, Jane said she came across a lone farmhouse and “for the first time since the Victory Walk began, I was forced to knock on a door to seek assistance” due to strong winds and heavy rain ruining her map".

“Kate, the owner could not have been more helpful, inviting me in for a coffee while we removed the map from its cover and turned it; if I’d done this outside it would have become one soggy mess. Such a generous and thoughtful lady," she said.

“Later that day I was to meet another kind, helpful person.

“Yvette had joined the Wrens as a communicator and been one of the first women to serve at sea in HMS Brilliant.

“Seeing my bedraggled state she helpfully made a chicken casserole for us to eat on that wild evening in Borth."

Jane has so far raised £13,233.51 of her £50,000 target.

To sponsor, Jane visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/victorywalk17-18 and to follow the journey visit www.victorywalk.uk or search for Victory Walk on Facebook.

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